When can domestic users join the RHI?

The Renewable Heat Incentive for domestic properties is not yet available and is due to open for applications in October 2012. The delay has been caused by negotiations on the available tariffs and the Department for Energy and Climate Change are due to consult on this later on in the year.

Once open for applications, the domestic RHI will work alongside the Green Deal (a Government policy supporting energy efficiency in homes) and should enable the growth of renewable heating technologies for UK homeowners. Domestic properties can then join the RHI and receive regular payments, over a guaranteed 20 year period, for the amount of energy the produce using renewable heating sources.

As the Government are yet to agree on the tariffs for the domestic RHI, it is unclear just how much could be earned through this scheme. However, the 20 years of payment for energy produce should not only recoup the costs of the initial installation but should create an added source of revenue for a household. It’s also likely that each type of renewable technology will have its own individual tariff.

Until the Renewable Heat Incentive for domestic properties opens, homeowners can still take advantage of the £15million available through the Renewable Heat Premium Payments. This scheme subsidises the cost of installing a domestic renewable heating system. The level of support for fitting a biomass boiler is £950.

We’ll keep the website update with all the latest news on the domestic RHI and when it’s expected to be open for applications.

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